HSV-2,Type Specific IGG

This test is used to detect IgG antibodies specific to HSV type 2 infection and confirm or rule out possible infection with herpes simplex type 2 virus in prenatal patients in whom HSV 2 infection can cause serious prenatal disease. In a patient with no history of lesion disease, a positive result for this test may be indicative that the primary infection was asymptomatic. The magnitude of the Index Value is not indicative of the amount of antibody present in the patient sample. Once infected by HSV, it is possible for a patient to shed virus without the development of lesions (asymptomatic shedding). This test does not indicate the site of HSV infection. There is a considerable homology between HSV-1 and HSV-2 antigens, so that antibodies formed against either virus are highly cross-reactive. This assay is based on glycoprotein G-2, purified from HSV-2 infected cells, and is specific for type 2 antibodies.